Attractions Nearby San Sebastian, Day Trips and Excursions

(Donostia - San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain)

Just a short trip from the city of San Sebastian you will find a host of attractions, with many towns and villages nearby, both in Spain and nearby France, to the east of San Sebastian. Worthy of a visit, some of the main excursions from San Sebastian include the town of Getaria, which is famous for its fishing and Medieval attractions.

Those looking for the hustle and bustle of neighbouring cities should visit the many attractions in Bilbao, Santander and Zaragoza, all of which are within easy driving distance of San Sebastian.


Day trips to Hondarribia from San Sebastian are also popular, with a range of historical attractions and buildings on offer, while for those looking for quiet beaches and opportunities for water sports should visit the village of Zarautz.

Bilbao

Bilbao is an important city in Spain's famous Basque Country, with a population of around 358,000. Located approximately 100 km / 62 miles to the west of San Sebastian, Bilbao can be easily reached by car, bus or train. Known for its historic attractions around the Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) and surrounding the city's main public squares, such as Plaza Circular and Plaza Nueva, both shopping and fine dining is plentiful in Bilbao, with a wealth of boutiques and Tapas bars throughout the city. With its scenic coastal setting, Bilbao also offers a number of beach attractions on the city's northern outskirts, alongside the mouth of the estuary.
Visit Bilbao">Guide to Attractions in Bilbao - more information about attractions in the Bilbao area.

Santander

The city of Santander can be found around 196 km / 122 miles west of Bilbao in the Canabria area of Spain, with the journey bar car or coach taking around two hours. Santander is home to a population of just over 150,000 and a rich Roman heritage. Offering many superb shopping opportunities, together with plenty of fine dining, Santander is also known for its busy port, grand cathedral dating back to the 12th century, and numerous beaches, including the Playa del Sardinero, the Playa del Puntal and those surrounding the main bay - the Bahia de Santander.

Zaragoza

The city of Zaragoza stands around 262 km / 163 miles to the south of San Sebastian and can be reached in just two and a half hours. Zaragoza is the regional capital with a population of approximately 602,000. Spain's fifth-biggest city, many visitors staying in San Sebastian choose to travel to Zaragoza, to enjoy the main attractions, which include remains of Roman walls (Murallas Romanas), a particularly grand City Hall (Ayuntamiento), the vast campus of University of Zaragoza, the scenic Imperial Aragon Canal (Canal Imperial de Aragón), and the Parque de Atracciones amusement park, which features water slides and roller coasters. Zaragoza also contains two historic cathedrals, the Basilica del Pilar (El Pilar Cathedral) and the Catedral de la Seo (La Seo Cathedral).
Visit Zaragoza">Guide to Attractions in Zaragoza - more information about attractions in the Zaragoza area.

Getaria

Address: Parque de Aldamar, 2, Getaria, Guipuzcoa, 20808, Spain
Tel: +34 943 14 0957
Offering superb fishing opportunities, the port town of Getaria stands just 24 km / 15 miles from San Sebastian city. Getaria is also known for its Medieval heritage and structure, with historic remains of the large walls which once surrounded much of the town.

Hondarribia

Address: Hondarribia, Guipuzcoa, 20280, Spain
Tel: +34 943 64 4300
Situated approximately 22 km / 14 miles from San Sebastian, Hondarribia is a popular town, known for its 18th-century town hall (Ayuntamiento), which features eye-catching architecture. Close to Hondarribia, Monte Jaizkibel is a popular attraction and offers superb coastal views.

Pasaia

Address: Pasajes de San Juan, de San Pedro y Antxo, Pasaia, Guipuzcoa, 20110, Spain
Tel: +34 943 34 4034
Pasaia is a popular port village standing around 6 km / 4 miles from San Sebastian. Featuring 12th-century roots, much of the village has evolved during the last century and is divided into a number of notable districts, including Antxo, San Pedro and San Juan. Recreational activities in the Pasaia area including fishing and sailing.

Zarautz

Address: Zarautz, Guipuzcoa, 20800, Spain
Tel: +34 943 83 0990
A charming village with Medieval roots, Zarautz is just a short trip from San Sebastian, standing around 21 km / 13 miles from the city. With a number of impressive, well-preserved historical buildings and churches, Zarautz is a coastal destination offering a popular beach and plenty of water sports.